Unlike other regional films, D-Town continues to prefer theatrical releases over OTT platforms

The entertainment industry is facing an unprecedented situation with no shoots happening during the lockdown and no theatres functioning. In a situation like this, several regional filmmakers have decided to release their films on various OTT platforms instead of waiting for theatres to re-open as there is no clarity on that.
But the Gujarati film industry is still playing the waiting game and not willing to release their films on OTT platforms.As compared to other regional film industries, Gujarati films still haven’t reached a point where they can demand suitable price for their digital rights. So, filmmakers prefer to go for theatrical releases. Says filmmaker Vipul Mehta, “The digital market for Gujarati films is still not as good as it is for few other regional films as so most films don’t get the desired price for their digital rights.” So, even though there is no certainty about when multiplexes and other theatres will reopen and become fully functional, Gujarati filmmakers are not considering OTT platforms as a viable option for film releases.
Subsidy is yet another reason why Dhollywood feels that theatrical releases will be a better option. Kirtan Patel, filmmaker, explains, “The state government has developed an exhaustive subsidy plan for Gujarati films, and we release our films on OTT platforms, we will lose out on that amount, which can go up to Rs 1 crore if you fulfill all aspects.” For an industry where funds are an ongoing challenge, getting subsidy is something several filmmakers look forward to.